The white grape variety comes from Italy. Synonyms are Albamatto, Erbamatto and Verdealbara. All names are derived from the green colour of the berries (verde = green). It was mentioned in the 16th century as one of the best grape varieties on the western shore of Lake Garda. The late ripening vine with thin-skinned berries is susceptible to botrytis. It produces acidic, aromatic white wines with floral aromas and earthy notes. It is cultivated in small stands in Lombardy, where it is permitted in the DOC area Valtènesi and in the DOCG area Franciacorta. Under the name Verdealbara it is cultivated near the municipality of Avio in Trentino(Trentino-Alto Adige). The variety is well suited to the effects of climate change and should therefore be reactivated. In 2016, however, only 2 hectares of vineyards were designated (Kym Anderson).
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